January 17, 2019

The project is starting to wrap up! By the end of this week, all areas will be open to the public.

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A lot has happened since the last update. Limestone caps and limestone masonry veneer have been placed along the retaining wall of the outbound platform. The new fence has been erected atop the limestone caps and along the platform connecting to the existing fence. The remainder of the sidewalk on the north side has been poured around the new trench drains. Pavement markings have been applied to the parking area along the outbound platform, and those new parking spots are open. Once the railings on the stairs have been installed, the stairs will be opened.

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The roofing system for the bike shelter has come out looking great! All of the timber was installed for the roof, and was followed by shingles and gutters that matched the existing shelter across the tracks. All that remains for the bike shelter roof is for the downspouts to be connected. The lighting system within the shelter will be installed in the next few weeks and will match the look of the lighting system on the north side. The new bike racks have been installed and will be accessible by the end of this week. Once the new bike racks are open, please begin using them rather than the temporary bike racks on the street.

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We have been receiving many compliments from passersby on the look of the new improvements. We are glad that all of you are as pleased with the final product as we are.

December 10, 2018

The outbound platform is hopefully coming to fruition for the public. Since the last update, the retaining wall has been reinforced and poured. It awaits to receive the same stone veneer finish as the platform turnaround on the south side of the tracks, and some nice limestone caps. The sidewalk and stairs along the north platform have been poured and the parking area has been paved. More parking will become available on the north side in the near future.

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The entirety of the structural steel for the bike shelter has been erected and the contractor began building the roofing system last week, which is coming along nicely. The landscaping has been completed except for a few small areas to be touched up at the end of the project.

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We appreciate your patience and hope you are as excited as we are to see the final result of the improvements.

November 13, 2018

Progress, Progress, Progress! 

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The new bike shelter columns have now been erected which really provides a good sense of the overall improvements south of the tracks.  The remaining structural steel will be installed this week, and the timber and roofing material will follow upon delivery.  Once the abnormal weather returns to typical November temperatures (hopefully soon!), the remaining landscape restoration will be completed.

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The outbound platform improvements are really coming along as well.  The structural work (under-pinning and shoring system) are complete, and the contractor has begun installing the foundations for the retaining wall footings.  After the footings are poured later this week, the retaining walls will be framed, reinforced, and tentatively poured before Thanksgiving.

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Stay tuned for further construction updates as we enter the final stages of these much awaited improvements.

November 08, 2018

All of the sidewalk south of the train tracks has now been poured including the sidewalk leading to/from the new bike shelter.  The structural steel for the new bike shelter has been delivered to the project and is ready for erection.  Landscape restoration of the remaining areas south of the tracks is underway and is scheduled for completion as soon as conditions are favorable.  At the at the east project limit south of the tracks, the retaining walls of the platform turnaround have received a decorative limestone veneer.  All that remains to complete the turnaround is the installation of an aluminum fence which is currently in fabrication. This fence will be installed around the perimeter upon delivery to the project.

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At the east project limit north of the tracks, all sidewalks have been poured and restoration of the surrounding area is in process.  Ramp accessibility to the outbound platform has now been re-established.  The parking area immediately north of the Hillgrove ramp is scheduled to be paved early next week, if weather permits.

The structural work on the outbound platform is now in full swing.  This week, the contractor has completed the majority of the platform underpinning which is essentially a partial excavation beneath the platform followed by the construction of a concrete bearing/retaining wall.  Additionally, the contractor has begun work on the platform improvements beneath the existing shelter which includes the installation of a temporary shoring system, so the decorative staircases and limestone-clad retaining walls can be constructed.

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Though the review of the contractor’s work plan has set-back the original completion milestone, the crews are working diligently to recover lost time.  Barring unforeseen obstacles or inclement weather, the contractor is committed to completing all work before the end of the year.  We thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

October 24, 2018

A lot has happened since the last construction update.  All of the sidewalk south of the train tracks has now been poured including the sidewalk leading to/from the new bike shelter.  The structural steel for the shelter has been fabricated and is scheduled for delivery to the worksite by the end of this week.  Some design changes at the supports may shift the erection of the steel columns to the first week of November. 

The area adjacent to the shelter has now been rough graded and is prepped for landscape restoration.  North of the tracks, underground utilities are being installed and the concrete work (sidewalk and curb & gutter) has continued.  A small portion of sidewalk remains at the east end of the project, but the improved access to the outbound platform will soon be reestablished for your use!

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The contractor has made a valiant effort to continue work on the outbound platform, including much of the demolition and removals associated with the overall improvements; however, the duration of the obligatory work plan reviews have far exceeded the anticipated review period.  This setback has prevented the start of critical work resulting in a significant impact to the contractor’s project schedule.  As a result, the estimated completion date has now shifted into the later part of December (pending favorable weather and no further unforeseen delays).

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Notwithstanding the schedule impact, the work will continue to move forward.  As the contractor will accelerate to recover lost time, the upcoming weeks will be extremely busy.  The limestone veneer at the platform turnaround south of the tracks has been delivered to the project and will be installed within the next week.  Topsoil will be distributed at the various locations south of the tracks followed by fresh sod.  Work will continue north of the tracks as the contractor is looking to complete the concrete curbs.  This work is critical to ensure hot-mix asphalt for the parking areas can be placed prior to the plants closing for the season. 

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Stay tuned for additional updates, and as always, feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the project.

October 10, 2018

Unfavorable weather conditions over the past several days have decelerated the overall production, but work has and will continue to progress.  Last week the inbound bike shelter slab was formed and poured leaving box-out’s for the structure’s steel columns.  While the elaborate steel is fabricated, the contractor has backfilled and rough graded for the remaining sidewalk in the west park.  

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In the east park, some concrete sidewalk panels have been removed for replacement to ensure the patrons full accessibility to and from the in-bound platform.  The remaining sidewalk pours are scheduled later this week(end). Please observe any signs and/or barricades to avoid these areas, and utilize alternate routes available.  
 

As our Chicago autumn temperatures shift to the colder side, work should not be affected. The upcoming work will include the installation of the decorative limestone veneer on the inbound platform turnaround at the east project limit.  Also, the concrete sidewalk and curb north of the tracks at the east project limit will be poured.

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We thank you for your continued patience while this work continues. Though construction can be unpredictable, we are very committed to providing the Village of La Grange and Metra patrons a highly improved facility on time!

October 01, 2018

The wooden staircase, which supplied Hillgrove Avenue access to/from the outbound platform, has been removed as part of the overall improvements.  Until the Hillgrove Ramp access at the east end of the project is restored (tentatively scheduled for the week of October 8th), please utilize the access at Brainard Avenue. 

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This week, work will continue on the sidewalk and curbs adjacent to the Hillgrove Ramp.  Though this access will be restored after the concrete has achieved strength, additional work in this area will be ongoing as the stone retaining wall is extended to the west, followed by final grading and landscaping.  Work will also continue on the pedestrian bike shelter slab as well as the underground utilities north of the tracks.

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Stay tuned for additional construction updates as these improvements progress!

September 21, 2018

The contractor has continued the trend of making major progress this week.  Production was diligent as the contractor continued work for the Hillgrove accessibility parking and ramp at the east project limit.  The area is now rough graded to receive new curb and gutter early next week, followed by the remaining sidewalk pour adjacent to the new ramp which was poured earlier this week. 

Additionally, work at the outbound shelter is now in full swing.  While the contractor prepares for the laborious shoring and underpinning of the existing platform, non-structural demolition of the shelter’s ramp, stairs, sidewalks, and Hillgrove Kiss and Ride are near complete.

Next week, work will primarily occur at the east end of the project on Hillgrove to provide full access to/from the outbound platform.  Weather permitting, the contractor will also resume work on the inbound bike shelter as the underground drainage and electrical components are finalized prior to the final grading and framing for the new concrete slab.

As always, please continue to observe the posted signage and detours, and be conscientious while driving, biking, or walking near the construction zones.  Thank you for your ongoing patience—it’s truly appreciated!

September 17, 2018

Last week was extremely productive, and the improvements are really moving forward.  The Village’s new in-bound platform turnaround has fully been formed and is now prepared to receive its final details which will include a limestone veneer and architectural railing.

The ramp along Hillgrove Ave, east of North Stone Avenue, was removed and the lengthened accessible ramp was formed and poured this afternoon.  This access will be restored and available for use again shortly after the Hillgrove handicap parking and accessibility improvements occur in the upcoming days.  Full platform accessibility is available at the west end of the platform at Brainard Avenue.

The contractor has now removed and/or relocated the lighting units at the outbound kiss and ride and at the old Hillgrove ramp.  Please continue to observe the posted construction signage, and as always, thank you for your patience!

September 10, 2018

Last week the contractor achieved the first major milestone which was to complete the parks east and west of the station in time for the West End Arts Festival.  Though the weather wasn’t ideal, the work progressed and the event was a success! 

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Parking meters are scheduled for reinstallation, and the temporary fence has been relocated.  As a result, spaces along Burlington Avenue are now available for your use.  Thank you for your much appreciated patience.

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This week, the contractor will continue work on the platform turnaround at the east end of the project as the concrete slab will be poured.  Additionally, while the contractor awaits steel fabrication for the new bike shelter, they will mobilize to the north side of the tracks to begin work for the platform and ramp improvements. 

Please continue to exercise caution while navigating around the worksite and observe any posted signs for temporary pedestrian detours.

August 31, 2018

And then it was green!!

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With the heavy rainfall earlier in the week, the contractor’s production was tested, but not foregone.  In a combined effort with La Grange Public Works the crews were able to complete the sodding and mulch in the east park as well as the installation of the new park benches.

Additionally, work on the platform turnaround at the far east end of the project commenced as the contractor has now excavated and poured the foundation.  Next week, expect additional work on the turnaround as the retaining walls are constructed and the gaps in the new sidewalks are poured. 

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Enjoy the extended weekend!

August 24, 2018

Progress of the improvements to the Stone Avenue Station has become very evident as the contractor is now in full swing.  This week’s work has transformed the east and west parks to a much more visible representation of the final product.  The east park has now been fine graded in preparation for sod which is scheduled for next week.

The west park has had most of the new sidewalks constructed, and work on the new bike shelter is also underway.  The shelter’s foundation has been started as the contractor has now poured the footings and has formed the support columns. 

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Please Note:  The sidewalk which runs north-south along the east side of Brainard will be temporarily closed over the weekend but will be reopened for use by Monday morning (8/27).  In the interim, please follow the posted detour signs which utilize the sidewalk west of Brainard between the train tracks and Burlington Ave. 

As always, thank you for your continued patience as these improvements advance!

August 17, 2018

Kovilic Construction has made great construction progress since the last update, and we are pleased to announce that the project is on schedule!  If you haven’t seen it already in person, the contractor has now poured the majority of the sidewalks in the east park — and they look fantastic. 

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Next week’s work will be very similar to this past week’s as we shift to the west park in preparation for the new sidewalks.  As the new sidewalks are formed on the west side, the contractor will begin final grading and restoration on the east side.  Topsoil, sod, and mulch will complete the bulk of the improvements east of the station while the west improvements progress.  Barring any inclement weather, the contractor will also begin excavation adjacent to the south (inbound) platform for the new bike shelter! 

Please continue to exercise caution around the work zones, and thank you for your patience!

August 10, 2018

This week was very productive as the contractor continued preparing for the proposed sidewalks south of the train tracks.  The new sidewalk alignments are now visible as the contractor has begun placing the aggregate base course (white stone) which serves as the foundation for the future paths and park benches. 

Next week the contractor will continue with the aggregate base course and reinstall the parking meters along Burlington Avenue.  They will also begin framing for the sidewalks, so expect our first concrete sidewalk pour by mid-week.

August 06, 2018

The majority of asphalt walkways have been removed from the parks south of the train tracks.  This week, the contractor will continue walkway removals.  They will begin the grading for the new concrete sidewalks which will improve the accessibility to/from the south (in-bound) platform.

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Please continue to exercise caution around the work zones, and thank you for your patience as these much needed improvements progress.

July 31, 2018

This week, orange construction fence will continue to be installed south of the train tracks.  This fence will distinguish the work zone from public way.  Please observe the posted signage for accessing the in-bound train platform and exercise caution while navigating around the work.

As part of the improvements, the parking meters and the sidewalks adjacent to Burlington Avenue will be removed and replaced.  In order to accommodate this work, on-street parking spaces on Burlington Avenue from Brainard Avenue to Waiola Avenue will be blocked off while the work is being completed.  Signs will be posted in the area notifying motorists of these restrictions.

July 30, 2018

Work will begin on the south side of the BNSF tracks, and will include the following:

• Removal of the existing concrete and asphalt pathways and replacement with improved ADA compliant concrete sidewalks.

• Removal of the bicycle parking pad with temporary relocation of the bike racks to the vehicle parking area immediately south on Burlington Avenue.

• New illuminated and sheltered bicycle parking atop a 20’x10’ concrete pad which will extend from the south train platform.

• New ADA platform turnaround area at the east end of the south platform which will include decorative retaining walls and fence.

• Full landscape restoration with sod and mulch.